TVA 🤝 Spark Cleantech Accelerator

The Spark Innovation Center at the University of Tennessee Research Park is proud to announce a new partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of clean technology innovations. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in fostering the growth of cleantech startups and advancing sustainable solutions within the region.

Under this partnership, TVA will sponsor the Spark Cleantech Accelerator, a flagship program within the Spark Innovation Center dedicated to nurturing early-stage cleantech companies. This support will include financial backing and access to TVA’s vast technical expertise, particularly in areas that align with TVA’s key technology priorities. These priorities encompass Advanced Nuclear Solutions, Decarbonization Options, Storage Integration, Future Grid Performance, Regional Grid Transformation, Connected Communities, and Electric Vehicle Evolution. Additionally, the partnership will focus on optimizing existing assets and promoting environmental stewardship, reflecting TVA’s overarching mission.

Lilly Tench, Director of the Spark Innovation Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for the Spark Innovation Center and the cleantech ecosystem in Tennessee. By joining forces with TVA, we can provide even greater support to entrepreneurs working on cutting-edge cleantech solutions that address critical challenges facing our region and the world.“

The collaboration between the Spark Innovation Center and TVA will focus on several key objectives:

  • Identifying and Supporting Promising Startups: The partnership will seek out cleantech startups that align with TVA’s technology priorities, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
  • Providing Mentorship and Technical Assistance: Startups will benefit from expert guidance, technical assistance, and access to crucial resources to advance their technologies.
  • Facilitating Industry Connections: The partnership will create opportunities for startups to connect with TVA and other key industry partners, fostering collaboration and growth.
  • Creating Opportunities for Pilot Projects: The partnership will also facilitate pilot projects and the commercialization of innovative cleantech solutions, driving real-world impact.

Miles Biggs, TVA’s Ecosystem Partnerships Manager, emphasized TVA’s commitment to the initiative, stating, “TVA is committed to advancing clean energy technologies and supporting the entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in this sector. Our partnership with the Spark Cleantech Accelerator will help us identify and nurture the next generation of cleantech leaders and companies that we need as we transition to the energy system of the future.”

This partnership builds upon the success of the Spark Cleantech Accelerator and Incubator, which has supported 29 companies since its inception in 2020. Collectively, these companies have raised over $77 million in funding and created 108 jobs, underscoring the program’s impact on the regional economy and its role in driving cleantech innovation.

As the partnership between the Spark Innovation Center and TVA takes shape, it is poised to further elevate Tennessee’s role as a hub for cleantech innovation. The collaboration will not only advance the development of sustainable technologies but also contribute to the broader economic development mission of supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the state.